Rich44 Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 I'm working on a bit of a theory of mine. Since starting office work I have noticed that whilst I am a fast typer (have typed from an early age), I am still unable to touch type. I am typing using about four fingers maximum. I've been thinking that the fingers that are not being used often in typing (for me the little and ring finger) must be neglected in terms of muscle memory, and the used fingers are getting overworked and strained. Not to mention the wrist is moving around too much. I've started to learn to touch type now using freeware, and I'm "hoping" that it will improve my left hand dexterity and strength, particularly the little finger which has always felt comparitavely weak. Apparently it takes a month or two to get touch typing, but even if it only helps slightly at bass it seems a win-win situation as I'll have learned one skill at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 I can touch type and it's not helped with regards playing bass one bit. Managed it in about 4 to 5 weeks. But as I say, hasn't helped at with my playing. Must be different muscles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 (edited) I have been able to touch type for years & it's not made any difference in my playing ability that I can see. Edited May 21, 2011 by RhysP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaypup Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 I think it'll help if you hold the keyboard to your chest facing away from you, type only using your left hand and press the keys down REALLY hard..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 I learnt to touch type back in the 70's, on an old fashioned proper manual type writer, the sort where you really did need some finger strength. I don't think the modern keyboards need much in the way of strength to operate. It still worth learning to touch type though, must help with dexterity and also it's just the right way to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 (edited) Touch typing in the dark while sitting on a rubber ball helps your Bass playing. Garry Edited May 21, 2011 by lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommorichards Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Try this [url="http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?1870810-alright-you-pansies...grip-master-this"]http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showth...rip-master-this[/url]! I can go about 90 seconds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Doubt it will make much of difference. The best way of improving your dexterity on the bass us by playing bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Rich Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Touch typing can make your keyboard sound like a Mark King solo but that's about it I reckon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 [quote name='Fat Rich' post='1239540' date='May 21 2011, 06:05 PM']Touch typing can make your keyboard sound like a Mark King solo but that's about it I reckon. [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machines Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 [quote name='RhysP' post='1239383' date='May 21 2011, 03:15 PM']I have been able to touch type for years & it's not made any difference in my playing ability that I can see.[/quote] +1. I was touch typing before I played guitar and thought it would help, made zero difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMech Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 I dunno if it improves dexterity, but I certainly regard it as a vital skill these days. Writing a thesis is bad enough when I can type 90 words a minute, would be even worse if I crawled along at half that (if you want a reference, average handwriting speed is 20-30wpm). I used a kids programme, 'disney's adventures in typing with Timon and Pumba', it was awesome. Rafiki would teach you, then you'd put it into practise in mini games with timon and pumba. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 mY titchtopinT si e*kellNt Bit My AssPlaying sTiLl SuX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Bizzarrely, playing bass HAS improved my typing ability! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I have to agree with the majority of touch typists here. I can do it and it doesn't help my playing one bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatboyslimfast Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 +1. Can touch type at a pretty good rate (been using computers since a boy and been working with them for 15+years). Tried transferring the skills over, but can't find the Q or W notes on the fretboard, let alone the rest... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seashell Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I wish it did help... I'm touch typing pretty much all day at work. But when I'm playing bass my little finger seems to take on a life of it's own and waves about in the air! It takes an effort of will to bring it back into line never get that problem typing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich44 Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 Thanks for your replies, they've made me laugh. I was more thinking that it "might" rein my little finger in and give it a bit of independence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 For giving your little finger independance you probably can't really beat playing piano or keyboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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